How to Answer "Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?"

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Updated on April 3, 2024

How to Answer "Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?" — Photo:
Theresa Chiechi / The Balance

During a job interview, the interviewer might ask you the question, “Why are you the best person for the job?” This is similar to other common interview questions, such as “Why should we hire you?” The interviewer wants to know whether you're a good fit for the role and how you stand out from other candidates.

What the Interviewer Wants to Know

The interviewer also wants to make sure you know what they are looking for in a job candidate and that you can do the job if you were to be hired. One of the goals of the interview is to determine whether you are a good fit for both the role and the organization. On the flip side, you'll also need to decide if the job is a good match with what you're looking for in your next role.

When answering this kind of question, your objective is to sell yourself to the hiring manager and convince them that you are a unique and strong candidate. Read below for advice on preparing for and answering this interview question, as well as examples of the best responses.

How to Answer "Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?"

There are many ways you can answer this question. The first way is to explain how your personality or personal traits make you an ideal candidate. To do that, take the time before the interview to carefully match your qualifications to those listed in the job posting. Be prepared to explain why you're a solid match for the job.

Note

For example, you might explain that you are particularly motivated, or that you are known for going above and beyond for your employers. Include evidence of how you have successfully applied your strengths to add value in past situations.

A second way to answer is to emphasize your unique skills. If you have skills that make you a strong candidate, mention them—especially if not many people have these same skills. The skills the employer is seeking may be listed in the job posting. If not, look at similar jobs to see what criteria employers are looking for.

Another option is to show the employer the accomplishments in your previous roles that qualify you for this new role. Share examples of your achievements that relate to the job for which you're interviewing.

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4 Ways to Answer: Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?

Examples of the Best Answers

Take a look at these possible answers and tailor them to your specific qualifications for the job, career background, and work experience:

Example Answer #1

My previous job working as a receptionist provided me with the ideal experience for this position. For five years, I developed many of the skills required for this job, including answering phones and email, processing payments, and entering data on multiple computer programs.

Why It Works: This response is effective because the candidate goes into specifics in listing the essential skill set she can bring to her new employer. Ideally, she has also emphasized these skills because she realized from the job posting that these talents were among the employer’s preferred qualifications.

Example Answer #2

My skill set is a perfect match for the job requirements. In particular, my sales skills and managerial experience make me an ideal candidate for the position. For example, at my last job, I managed a sales team of five employees, and we had the top sales record in our company branch. I can bring my successes and experiences to this job.

Why It Works: Not only does this interviewee mention his important skills, but he also alludes to his previous leadership responsibilities and quantifiable success (a “top sales record”) in his previous job.

Example Answer #3

I can find my niche within a group and support everyone's efforts. For example, my last job involved a lot of team projects. I was always able to recognize my teammates’ skills, and delegated tasks that fit each person’s skills. I know this job involves lots of teamwork and group projects, and I know this is a work style in which I excel.

Why It Works: This is a great example of how to effectively use the STAR interview response technique, in which you structure your answer to describe a past situation, your task, your action, and the result. Here, the candidate uses this technique to also point out that she is aware of the employer’s company culture and focus on collaborative teamwork, showing how her own experience aligns with these priorities.

Example Answer #4

I am a self-motivated person who is willing to go above and beyond on any project and to learn valuable skills on my own time. For example, I taught myself five computer programming languages in college, simply out of a passion for learning how to code. I know you are looking for a self-motivated computer technician with both skills and passion, and I am that person.

Why It Works: This job candidate showcases the broad skill set that many of his competitors for the position might not have: his knowledge of five computer programming languages. He also points out his initiative and enthusiasm for his work.

Tips for Giving the Best Response

Prepare in advance. Before an interview, think carefully about what makes you an ideal candidate for the position. First, look at the job listing, and circle any key skills or qualifications. Then, look at your resume and note any particular experiences or skills that fit the job listing. Emphasize those qualifications in your answer to the question.

Share examples. It's important to be as specific as possible when answering this question. Whether you emphasize your skills or a personality trait, be sure to provide one or two specific examples that prove you have those qualities and how you will use them in the workplace.

Note

Ideally, your examples will come from past experiences at work. If you’re new to the job market, you can also emphasize experiences from school, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work.

Focus on how you can help the company. Avoid answers that emphasize why you want the job. Instead, focus on how you can add value to the company. To prepare for this kind of answer, make sure you have some knowledge about the company ahead of time. Take the time to review the company's website, social media pages, and other information about the organization that's available online.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Even though the question is about how you compare to other candidates, don’t critique the other job seekers. This can come across as negative or rude. Instead, emphasize what makes you unique in a positive manner, without attacking or insulting other candidates. It's important to sell your qualifications without being considered arrogant or overbearing.

Don’t say this: "Unlike some of the other candidates I’m sure you’ve seen today, I have experience in the field, which means that I can hit the ground running on day one."

Do say: "My years of experience in this field have given me on-the-job knowledge, as well as a sense of where the industry has been and where it’s going in the future. I have the kind of technical skills that only come from doing the job for several years. I can seamlessly slide into this role and start hitting goals on my very first day."

Possible Follow-Up Questions

Why did you leave your previous job? - Best Answers
What are your salary expectations? - Best Answers
Why do you want this job? - Best Answers
More interview questions: Top 10 Interview Questions and Best Answers

Key Takeaways

Research the company. Before your interview, write down a list of how your work skills match up with the preferred qualifications mentioned in the job posting. Then, in your answer, make sure you talk about these key skills, and use examples when possible to prove that you are the best person for the job.

Beware of comparisons. While it’s smart to highlight the skills that you believe set you apart from other candidates for the position, don’t talk down on others. Keep your tone positive, and talk about what you can offer the company rather than about what others cannot.

Focus on the employer's needs. In your answer, describe all of your hard and soft skills that would “add value” should the employer hire you. Don’t make your response about you (i.e., a plea as to why you really want the job).

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